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29/08/2005
Blood test provides potential breakthrough in CJD testing
Scientists have developed a blood test, which could help to detect the human form of mad cow disease.
In a study published in ‘Nature’, the team from the University of Texas identified infectious, or rogue, prion proteins, believed to cause the fatal brain disease in hamsters.
The researchers are now working to develop the method so that it can be used to find the rogue prions in people who died from the human form of the disease, known as variant Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease (vCJD), using blood samples from British victims.
Commenting on the discovery, head of the research team, Professor Claudio Soto, said: “The concentration of infectious prion protein in blood is far too small to be detected by the methods used to detect it in the brain, but we know it’s still enough to spread the disease.”
The breakthrough has raised hopes that people could eventually be screened for vCJD. It is also hoped that the discovery could help protect people receiving blood transfusions and organ transplants from infection, as well as help experts trying to determine whether Britain faces a future vCJD epidemic.
Around 180 people have died from vCJD, since the condition was first seen in humans in 1995. The majority of those deaths occurred in the UK. It is believed that the condition is caused by eating meat infected with the agent that causes BSE or mad cow disease.
In November 2003, the British government announced the first case of a person who died after contracting vCJD from a blood transfusion.
The only way to confirm if vCJD is present in humans is via checks carried out after death.
(KMcA/SP)
In a study published in ‘Nature’, the team from the University of Texas identified infectious, or rogue, prion proteins, believed to cause the fatal brain disease in hamsters.
The researchers are now working to develop the method so that it can be used to find the rogue prions in people who died from the human form of the disease, known as variant Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease (vCJD), using blood samples from British victims.
Commenting on the discovery, head of the research team, Professor Claudio Soto, said: “The concentration of infectious prion protein in blood is far too small to be detected by the methods used to detect it in the brain, but we know it’s still enough to spread the disease.”
The breakthrough has raised hopes that people could eventually be screened for vCJD. It is also hoped that the discovery could help protect people receiving blood transfusions and organ transplants from infection, as well as help experts trying to determine whether Britain faces a future vCJD epidemic.
Around 180 people have died from vCJD, since the condition was first seen in humans in 1995. The majority of those deaths occurred in the UK. It is believed that the condition is caused by eating meat infected with the agent that causes BSE or mad cow disease.
In November 2003, the British government announced the first case of a person who died after contracting vCJD from a blood transfusion.
The only way to confirm if vCJD is present in humans is via checks carried out after death.
(KMcA/SP)
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21 July 2005
Blood donors warned over possible vCJD carriage
Around 100 people who donated blood to three people who subsequently developed vCJD, have been warned that they may have a greater chance of carrying the agent that causes the disease.
Blood donors warned over possible vCJD carriage
Around 100 people who donated blood to three people who subsequently developed vCJD, have been warned that they may have a greater chance of carrying the agent that causes the disease.
08 December 2006
Transfusion risk for vCJD 'substantial'
People given blood transfusions contaminated with the agent that causes variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) are now considered to be at substantial risk.
Transfusion risk for vCJD 'substantial'
People given blood transfusions contaminated with the agent that causes variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) are now considered to be at substantial risk.
16 March 2004
Blood donor ban issued over CJD fears
People who have had blood transfusions will no longer be able to give blood as a precautionary measure against the possible risk of transmitting variant Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease (vCJD), it has been announced today. Research suggests that vCJD, which is a fatal brain disease, is the result of exposure to the agent that causes BSE in cows.
Blood donor ban issued over CJD fears
People who have had blood transfusions will no longer be able to give blood as a precautionary measure against the possible risk of transmitting variant Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease (vCJD), it has been announced today. Research suggests that vCJD, which is a fatal brain disease, is the result of exposure to the agent that causes BSE in cows.
19 August 2009
Coroners 'Refuse' To Test For vCJD
Coroners are refusing to carry out post-mortem tests for an infection which causes vCJD, despite government pleas that it could help monitor the spread of the disease, it has been reported. Tests carried out during post-mortem examinations could give an indication of how many people in the country have the infection.
Coroners 'Refuse' To Test For vCJD
Coroners are refusing to carry out post-mortem tests for an infection which causes vCJD, despite government pleas that it could help monitor the spread of the disease, it has been reported. Tests carried out during post-mortem examinations could give an indication of how many people in the country have the infection.
27 March 2006
vCJD poses threat to 'thousands'
Many thousands more people may be at risk of variant Creutzfeld Jakob Disease (vCJD) than was previously thought, but the latest research suggests that it is linked to genetic factors.
vCJD poses threat to 'thousands'
Many thousands more people may be at risk of variant Creutzfeld Jakob Disease (vCJD) than was previously thought, but the latest research suggests that it is linked to genetic factors.
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